Often when pain strikes in our society, all that is offered is an array of painkillers to mask the pain. These do little or nothing to eliminate the root cause of the problem. Massage Therapy allows us to relieve the pain, not by avoiding it, but by helping to relax the tensed muscles and release blocks in energy channels. Pain is our body trying to tell us that something is wrong.
Massage can provide relief from symptoms of stress, anxiety, tension, depression and insomnia, also treating back pain, headache and muscle pain. It is frequently recommended in the treatment of sports injuries and repetitive stress injuries and for the enhancement of physical conditioning. It is even helpful in relieving digestive disorders such as constipation.
Through stimulation of the nervous, circulatory, and respiratory systems, connective tissue, and muscle, massage provides generalized stress reduction, a decrease in muscle tension, symptomatic relief of pain related to soft tissue dysfunction, increased circulation, and other benefits to increase the well being of the client. Massage also stimulates the lymphatic systems of the body, enhancing the elimination of wastes, toxins, pathogenic organisms and excess fluids away from tissues that may have become congested due to poor diet, illness or lack of exercise.
Massage also acts to relax or tonify muscle depending on its application, decrease spasm or pain, in both the skeletal muscles and visceral muscle (which acts to help with ailments such as constipation and digestive disorders. It also acts to break up scar tissue and increase mobility of tissue and joints. It promotes deep relaxation and releases emotional tension. These combinations act to improve energy and well-being, athletic performance and greater healing.
Touch is another form of healing and is another therapeutically effective aspect of massage
At INT we have a range of therapists offering a wide selection of massage treatments to suit your specific needs. Our aim is not to simply treat your symptoms but to help find the cause of your problem and to empower you with lifestyle tools to improve your situation. Stretching and exercise are emphasised and a self-care program is developed according the individuals needs.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Eases Stress
Massage can provide us with a means to counteract the relentless surge of work and domestic pressures. For all too many of us, stiffness and pain are a way of life and it is not until we receive a massage that we realize our muscles are tight or how much of our energy is consumed by tension. Studies have shown that stress can cause headaches, migraines, hypertension, anxiety, depression, insomnia, muscle pain, etc. Researchers have estimated that 80% of disease is stress related. Soothing and relaxing massage therapy can help by counteracting the negative effects of stress. Massage releases tension in the soft tissues by stimulating the nerve receptors which control tissue tension. Massage increases positive input to the central nervous system accounting for an overall feeling of well-being.
Increases Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage
Massage stimulates the circulation of blood and so increases the supply and removal of nutrition and waste materials to the cells. Massage is therefore useful in detoxification programs. It can dramatically improve movement of lymph therefore aiding the immune system and enabling it to better fight off infection. Other benefits of improved lymphatic drainage are reduced tendency to experience aches, swelling, PMS, sinusitis, headaches, sluggish bowels, or low energy levels
Increase Performance
Massage can speed recovery from fatigue that occurs after exercise thereby enabling better training. Regular massage can be used as a means of sustaining health and preventing injury through the maintenance of nutrition, flexibility and vitality to the muscle tissues. Massage is able to stretch specific localized areas of tissue in a way that may not be possible with functional exercise. Deep longitudinal stroking can stretch tissue by drawing them apart in all possible directions, enabling the client to have greater range of movement.
Injury Rehabilitation
Injuries in tissues of muscle, ligament or tendon can cause significant restriction in movement and function. Specific massage techniques can break down adhesions and loosen knots to allow blood to flow more easily to injured tissue therefore allowing healing to take place.
Types of Massage Therapy
Relaxation Massage
The use of slow rhythmical strokes designed specifically to relax the body, soothing tense muscles and stimulating the autonomic nervous system thereby calming the mind and increasing overall well-being. This style is useful for people suffering from stress and tension, anxiety, grief and depression.
Therapeutic and Remedial Massage
Therapeutic and remedial techniques are useful in acute or chronic muscular injuries or tension including occupational overuse injuries, sports injuries, long term stress and/or inappropriate posture.
Reflexology
Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflex points on the feet that correspond to all glands, organs and muscles of the body. Therefore by working these points we are actually working the whole body, relieving stress, improving blood supply and unblocking nerve impulses. This technique is useful for people who are new to massage, or who feel uncomfortable with bodily massage. Reflexology helps to restore homeostasis within the bodily systems.
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is specifically designed to address the needs of the mother-to-be. Includes relaxation, relief from neck and back pain, and support in helping women to enjoy their pregnancies. Massage is also beneficial after delivery, helping the internal organs to return to their normal positions.
Energy Balancing
Also known as Polarity Therapy, energy balancing is a system of gentle bodywork that aims to balance the positive and negative poles of energy through hands on healing techniques. Energy Balancing is usually incorporated into the massage session to assist in the relaxation of the client. A full session of energy balancing is also available.
Aromatherapy
Specific essential oil blends have been made up for different situations. If you prefer a blend to be made up specifically for you on the day, this can also be arranged. For more information on aromatherapy click here. (Link to Level 3 page – “Aromatherapy” [under Naturopathy])
Sports Massage
Sports Massage is designed specifically for the athlete or physically active. Post event techniques are used which stimulate circulation, increase venous and lymphatic movement, remove toxins and waste from the blood and stimulate nerve endings greatly reducing delayed onset muscle soreness and enabling muscles to function to their maximum potential. Pre event massage is aimed to encourage a fresh supply of blood the working muscles, releasing fascial restrictions, ensuring unrestricted range of motion and heightening nerve conduction.
Ka Huna Massage
Ka Huna Massage, also known as Hawaiian Temple Massage and Lomi Lomi, was originally performed by the Ka Hunas, the masters of this ancient and sacred tradition. Ka Huna was used during rights of passage, as a transformational massage and healing system. The Bodyworker's fluid rhythm and touch encourages the receiver to let go of stress and fatigue, allowing the body, mind, soul to connect and balance. It is deeply relaxing and wonderfully invigorating.The depth and strength varies to suit each individual's needs, from a remedial restorative treatment to a gentle nurturing touch.
Self Massage for Headaches
Next time you have a headache, instead of reaching for a pill, try these simple acupressure points to relieve the tension naturally.
Squeezing and lifting the nape
Hold the nape of the neck with both hands crossing the fingers. Bend the head backward and squeeze and lift the skin and muscles up with the heels of the hands. Repeat for one minute.
Pressing and kneading the ‘Hegu’ point
NB: Do not press this point if you are pregnant.Hegu is an acupressure point located between the thumb and first finger. Apply pressure and kneading with the left and right thumb alternately to left and right Hegu respectively for one minute. You will feel some discomfort radiating to the fingers.
